Winter brings cold weather with frost, ice and maybe snow. Daylight hours are shorter so it’s romantic, too – think cosy pubs, country hideaways and wood fires.

In December, seasonal Cdecorations light up streetscapes, inviting shop windows are full of colour. Winter may not be the best time for hiking or long road trips, but it can be a magical time for city breaks and indulgent country escapes.

While it’s not always nice to be outside, visit art galleries, check out special interest museums, find a concert, go to theatre. The Birmingham Hippodrome what’s on lists include comedy, ballet, major musicals, theatre and opera. Check Worcester’s Huntingdon Hall for music, comedy, film, also the Swan Theatre and Worcester Rep. Stratford-upon-Avon’s RSC theatres for Shakespeare plays and more.

January sales (many start on Boxing Day!) have people shopping for bargains, the first snowdrops appear and it isn’t long before before buds appear on the trees and everyone is talking about spring.